Clarification on pig castration please

RE: Clarification on pig castration please

Michael Woodhouse — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 13:56:08 GMT

I suppose strictly, but the twisting of the vaginal tunic before pulling renders the inguinal canal effectively closed in the majority of animals. Given the environment in which these animals are in and will remain - I don't want to introduce anything as a possible source of infection unless I absolutely have to (existing hernias).

RE: Clarification on pig castration please

Gillian Mostyn — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 13:36:46 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]

Try do do closed - with practice generally possible.

Twist, twist, twist and then pull.

[/quote]

Can't comment on best method- I have never castrated a pig- but I am confused by this description. If you are trying to do a closed castration, why wouldn't you ligate then cut the cord? Twist and pull method will result in an open castration- no?

RE: Clarification on pig castration please

Busybee — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 16:44:11 GMT

Many thanks both :)

I've found the 2007 version of the regulations in which there is no mention of castration at all so I suppose it's historical thinking now?

RE: Clarification on pig castration please

Michael Woodhouse — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 00:01:10 GMT

I do pigs upside down with head between holders ankles. Clean. Inject local. Clean again. Cut just large enough to exteriorise testicle. Try do do closed - with practice generally possible.

Twist, twist, twist and then pull.

Spray with favourite antibiotic spray.

Beware relatively high incidence of inguinal hernias - I've castrated a couple with existing hernias and seen a loop of intestine a couple of times after the above method.

I have no idea what it means TBH. There is nothing in legislation preventing a VS from 'tearing' during a pig castrate. I wonder if there is some old practice we don't know about or something this makes reference too.

RE: Clarification on pig castration please

Marie Kubiak — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 21:37:53 GMT

I've only done pet pigs and do them as open surgical castrates- similar basic technique to dogs with separate ligation of spermatic vessels but in ventral recumbency due to anatomy. Don't exactly do heaps but in the 3 or 4 I did in the last couple of years it seemed to be simple and work well. Sorry can't help with legal side...

Marie